Editor,
I just received a flyer in the mail with Rory Graves supporting Initiative 594. I have to admit that it finally sent me over the edge.
The television commercials with her do meet their intended purpose of pulling at my emotions through heart-tugging testimony. But I have to inform you that it gets my attention for reasons other than what Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility would like.
You see, the entire campaign makes me realize how fortunate we are to live in a society where women can get self-defense and firearms training. Rory’s mother chose to stay in an abusive relationship without seeking any of that training. It very well could have prevented the situation of her shooting.
Nowhere does the printed flyer or television spot state that the husband mentioned was prohibited from owning a firearm.
I find it inexcusable that the Alliance would exploit women in this fashion. The training opportunities for women to safely carry, and use if necessary, a firearm are endless.
However, the passing of I-594 will take away the possibility of receiving that training. Through insane restrictions regarding firearms transfers, I will no longer be able to share my experience or firearms with another woman interested in shooting for sport or self defense.
My gun club will no longer present eight classes a year in youth and women’s firearm safety. The way the initiative is written is totally out of step with the Second Amendment or state constitution.
I am truly curious whether anyone on the Alliance staff has read I-594 in its entirety and understands the implication that the passing of this bill would have. Give us a break out here.
Someone fess up and admit that this legislation needs to be pulled from the ballot.
Dianne Raster
Oak Harbor